Once more I write a line to you, <br />While darker shadows fall; <br />Dear friends of mine who have been true, <br />And steadfast through it all. <br />If I have written bitter rhymes, <br />With many lines that halt, <br />And if I have been false at times <br />It was not all my fault. <br /> <br />To Heaven’s decree I would not bow, <br />And I sank very low— <br />The bitter things are written now, <br />And we must let them go. <br />But I feel softened as I write; <br />The better spirit springs, <br />And I am very sad to-night <br />Because of many things. <br /> <br />The friendships that I have abused, <br />The trust I did betray, <br />The talents that I have misused, <br />The gifts I threw away. <br />The things that did me little good, <br />And—well my cheeks might burn— <br />The kindly letters that I should <br />Have answered by return. <br /> <br />But you might deem them answered now, <br />And answered from my heart; <br />And injured friends will understand <br />’Tis I who feel the smart. <br />But I have done with barren strife <br />And dark imaginings, <br />And in my future work and life <br />Will seek the better things.<br /><br />Henry Lawson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-cross-roads-2/
